Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM)

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The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a major leading to the B.S. degree with a choice of five different emphases, each of which requires courses in calculus, physics, and certain core courses in chemistry. Students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in chemistry or biochemistry, or who are planning careers as professional chemists or biochemists, should select emphasis 1 or emphasis 2, respectively. With appropriate electives, either emphasis 1 or emphasis 2 will be appropriate for students interested in forensic science. Emphases 3 is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching at the senior high school level. Emphasis 4 is designed for students intending to use training in chemistry as a preparation for professional school. An honors program is available for outstanding students.

The department also offers a minor in chemistry as well as several courses which can be used by non-majors toward fulfilling the science area requirement in the university’s general education program. A number of its courses are required for majors in other departments.

Chemistry Placement Examination Policy

Students planning to take CHEM 210 must take the Chemistry Placement Examination, so they may begin their study of chemistry at the appropriate level.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty

Ralph Wheeler, Ph.D., Cornell University, professor, chair
Marc J. Adler, Ph.D., Duke University, adjunct professor
Gary M. Baker, Ph.D., Purdue University, associate professor
David S. Ballantine, Jr., Ph.D., University of Maryland, associate professor
Jon W. Carnahan, Ph.D., University of Cincinnati, professor emeritus
Robert F. Cunico, Ph.D. Purdue University, professor emeritus
James E. Erman, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Distinguished Research Professor, professor emeritus
Elizabeth R. Gaillard, Ph.D., University of Texas, Distinguished Research Professor
Thomas M. Gilbert, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, associate professor
Timothy Hagen, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, assistant professor
Oliver Hofstetter, Ph.D., University of Tübingen, associate professor 
James Horn, Ph.D., University of Iowa, associate professor
Narayan S. Hosmane, Ph.D., Edinburgh University, Distinguished Research Professor, Board of Trustees Professor
Dennis Kevill, Ph.D., University College, London, Distinguished Research Professor, professor emeritus
Douglas Klumpp, Ph.D., Iowa State University, Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor
Chhiu-Tsu Lin, Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Distinguished Research Professor, Board of Trustees Professor, professor emeritus
W. Roy Mason, Ph.D., Emory University, professor emeritus
Victor V. Ryzhov, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University, associate professor
Lee Sunderlin, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, associate professor
Petr Vanýsek, Ph.D., Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, professor emeritus
Tao Xu, Ph.D., University of Alabama, associate professor
Chong Zheng, Ph.D., Cornell University, professor

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